You're still the one...

Darrell & Debbie (my wonderful father-in-law & mother-in-law) celebrated their wedding anniversary last weekend (May 25th). I thought this long-standing commitment was blog-worthy. Here's to many more blessed years together:

"...if you just smile."

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky,
you'll get by
If you smile through your
fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
Youll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

"Feed Buck, he's been a good dog..."

...my best friend right through it all, if I die before I wake, feed Buck."


When you come into our home, you will always be greeted by our furry friend Buckner (or "Buck," or "Buddy," as we like to call him). Sure he will sniff you and maybe invade your space for a little while; then he will sit peacefully while keeping his ears poised as to not miss wild creatures stirring behind our fence or for unwanted guests about. His primary goal is not to get treats but to protect our humble abode. Yes, Sir Buckner, we are glad we have you.

Bryan found Buck out at some land his dad owned at the time. Buck was there with his two brothers but their parents or owners were no where to be found. Bryan went back and fed these little puppies several time hoping their owner would come for them...but no sign. One day Bryan came to feed the poor, helpless little puppies but only one remained, Buck. Bryan then called me and asked me if we could keep this little puppy so we decided to be "dog people." That was three years ago. To this day we do not know what happened to his little brothers.

What we do know is that Buck is a true "God send." It has been amazing to watch him grow up with Aubrey and to see his love and devotion to her. He already is watching after Pete the same way he does Aubrey. They are always at the center of his "circle of safety." He is always between them and anything he senses as potential danger. We love our dear friend Buck.

The photos above are the first known photos of Buck taken on Byran's camera phone. Here are a few pictures from our time with him thus far:

All the women, independent...

Our little Aubrey is 2 years and 3 months today and is showing signs of growing up so fast! She has recently started sleeping in her "big girl bed" (as we call it) and has been peeing in the potty (let's hope this keeps up, she only does it about once or twice a day). She has shown her independence in many ways lately, some of which require disciplinary action, some are great signs of her development and some are just plain cute. For example, she wanted to put "baby Peep" in the stroller she uses for her doll so daddy helped her and surprisingly Pete was pretty content in there.



This is yet another example of Aubs' independence. She got all dressed up in daddy's shirt and mom's high heels and wants to go out in the town:



...and now I will leave you with a picture of Aube and Pete, always a good ending to a post!

My buddies & me

This post is not only about MY 3 buddies but the 3 buddies in which they delivered for Pete...If this seems confusing, it will all make sense to you soon:
Jessi Scherm, me, Lara Hood and Melissa Kitchens all had boys (respectively) within a month and 6 days of each other. HOW EXCITING! It is great to be pregnant at the same time as your friends but it is even greater to share a common bond of having boys around the same age. Here are a few before and after shots...CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS, I hope you love having a son as much as I do.

Jessi delivered:
Lars Karlyle Scherm
April 4th
7 lb. 9.5 oz. & 21.5 in.

Lara delivered:
Grant Parker Hood
April 25th
7lb. 6oz. & 20in.

Melissa delivered:
Cole Wayne Kitchens
May 10th
8 lbs. 7oz. & 21 in.

Our Pride and Joy

First of all I just wanted to say how much I love being a mom. Before I had Aubrey, I was driving to work one day, and prayed that God would bless us with children because I didn't want it to be about me anymore. Well, it is for sure not about me now. I realize that as I have to schedule time during my day just to create this post. I thank God every day for our children and believe they are an answer to prayer.
We celebrated Mother's Day and all day I was just thinking about how much pride and joy it gives me to have two wonderful children. It is one of the most fulfilling things in my life. Also, I wanted to say how blessed I am to have a wonderful and supportive mother and mother-in-law. They are such great grandmothers too and I believe they would do pretty much anything for our kids.

This past weekend was crazy with Melissa Kitchens having her baby and my good friend Jessi Scherm coming to town with her new boy (only a day older than Pete). We also had a full day on Mother's Day going to my mom's church and seeing family (my Memaw was able to come which was pretty special) and later on that evening we got to hang out with Darrell and Debbie and have dessert, coffee and a photo shoot. Here are a few family shots from that day:

This is the first picture taken of me and both of my kiddos. It was pretty special seeing as how it was on Mother's Day.

I love this picture of Bryan and Pete. I love my boys and it is just a bonus that they are so incredibly cute.

This shot is great too of three generations of Silverthorne men.

Happy B-day Laura!

I just wanted to send a shout out to my one-of-a-kind friend Laura. I am so grateful God placed you in my life. You have been a faithful friend. Thanks for the talks we have had, the walks, the random visits, the cups of coffee together (and the list goes on) Just wanted you to know that we appreciate you and hope you have the best birthday ever!
The Silverthorne family loves you!

Aubrey wishes "Wala" and happy birthday too!